The emerald Pacific waters, lush tropical rainforest and continually renewed volcanic landscapes of Costa Rica are home to an array of plant and animal species as diverse as can be found anywhere on earth. To truly learn about this natural abundance, and about the rich human culture that has developed around it, requires firsthand experience, a complete immersion in the environment by any means possible. From hiking to river rafting, from swimming to ocean kayaking, expand your mind and apply the body on a quest to enliven your spirit amid Costa Rica's tropical beauty, history and culture.

Highlights

• Hike on cloud forest trails in Poas Volcano National Park, site of the world's largest active crater.• Canoe on the waterways of Tortuguero and paddle outrigger canoes along the Pacific coastline.• Sway your hips, as you exercise and learn the steps to authentic Latin dance.

Activity Particulars

Date Specific Information

9-26-2015, 9-13-2016

July - September is the nesting season for Green Sea Turtles in Costa Rica`s Tortuguero National Park. During this special time of year, the program will include a guided nighttime walk along Tortuguero Beach for an opportunity to observe sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs

1-12-2016

Can be taken in conjunction with Program #21436 -01/22/16, Walking & Wellness: Costa Rican Secrets of Longevity.

1-25-2016

Can be taken in conjunction with Program #21436 -02/04/16, Walking & Wellness: Costa Rican Secrets of Longevity.

2-22-2016

Can be taken in conjunction with Program #21436 -03/03/16, Walking & Wellness: Costa Rican Secrets of Longevity.

Itinerary Summary

Flight from the U.S.A.

Arrival San Jose

2 nights

Coach to Tortuguero

2 nights

Boat and coach to Sarapiquí

2 nights

Begin your discovery of Costa Rica in Poás National Park with an expert who leads you to the world’s largest active volcanic crater, Poás Volcano. Learn of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica as the crater’s rain-fed lake bubbles below before erupting in an 800-foot geyser of steam. In a coffee plantation, walk between rows of bushes with a worker and sample freshly ground coffee. In sleepy Tortuguero, where 30,000 green sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs each year from July to September, unravel the mysteries of the turtles’ navigation techniques with a naturalist. Canoe along the waterways of Tortuguero National Park, home to freshwater sharks, caimans and more, then move to Sarapiquí to learn the secrets of making chocolate during a visit to a local cacao plantation. Pay homage to El Ganador, a giant almond tree that was already mature when the Spanish first arrived, and raft the Sarapiquí River while watching for birds and learning about the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.

Coach to Punta Leona

3 nights

Coach to San Jose

1 night

Departure

Leave the Caribbean lowlands behind and cross the Continental Divide to the Pacific coast and embark on a crocodile safari on the Tarcoles River to learn up-close about the enormous crocodiles that live on the river’s banks. Hike and walk through the rainforest on trails and hanging bridges to view the differences between tropical moist forest, dry forest, and transition zone. On the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the small village of Agujas, paddle an outrigger canoe for a historical sense of how these crafts have been used for centuries as tools for survival and travel, their design basically unchanged after generations of refinement.

Costa Rica

Hugged by two bodies of water and sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica’s topography, climate and geographical position are more than mere facts: they define this tiny country. Cloud rainforests, valleys of coffee and volcanic mountain peaks fill the land between Caribbean and Pacific beaches. This ecological Eden protects its natural treasures in acres of preserved land, and is the only country in the world without a standing army.

Subject to availability. Prices and room type subject to availability. Please contact the program provider, Holbrook Travel, at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for assistance with reservations and rates.

Pachira Lodge

Type:

Lodge

Description:

The rainforest is an unforgettable experience at this riverfront lodge located five minutes by boat from Tortuguero National Park. Rooms have high ceilings, large windows and are decorated with exotic bamboo furniture and local artwork.

Pool, restaurant and bar. No laundry services are available at this lodge.

Smoking allowed:

Yes

Selva Verde Lodge

Type:

Lodge

Description:

Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.

Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.

The Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel and Convention Center has 229 spacious rooms with modern conveniences and a long list of amenities that are meant to accommodate business travelers as well as vacationing families. It is conveniently located a short distance from San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport.
The hotel has earned a Level 3 Certification for Sustainable Tourism by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.

Prices subject to availability Rates and room types are subject to availability. Please contact your program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you need assistance with booking additional hotel nights.

Check out time:

11:00 AM

Travel Details

Start
of Program:
All-day arrivals at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica. Hotel check-in begins at 3 p.m. You will be staying at Hotel Rincon del Valle that night.

Required
documents:
The Participant Information Form is required. Proof of vaccination is required from travelers arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic.
It is always best to renew your passport before it reaches the six month validity date—especially if you plan on doing future travel. For more information about entry requirements please contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC at tel: (202) 234-2945/46 or visit www.costarica-embassy.org.

Parking
availability:
N/A

Transportation

(For Independent Travelers)

To
Start of Program

Location:

San José

Nearest
city or town:

San Jose

Nearest
airport:

Juan Santa Maria International Airport

Transportation
to site:

Taxi services are available at the airport. Participants needing transportation services at the airport, should make use of the official airport taxi service called Taxis Unidos Aeropuerto (www.taxisunidosaeropuerto.com /
+(506) 2221-6865. The company provides safe and reliable service to San José hotels and nearby areas. The fare can be prepaid in U.S. dollars at the airport. The taxis are orange in color and have the logo emblazoned on the driver's door.

From
End of Program

Location:

San José

Transportation
from site:

Taxi services are available for hire at the hotel. Please ask the hotel front desk for assistance.

(Additional
transportation information
same as above)

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Arrival to San José(Monday, February 25)

Arrive To:

Arrive in San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. Participants on the Road Scholar group flights should use the exit door on the right. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign.

Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

If possible, participants should try to arrange flights that arrive in San José in the afternoon. Doing this will allow participants to get a full night's sleep in preparation for the next day's activities.

Hiking in Poas Volcano National Park/Coffee Plantation(Tuesday, February 26)

Breakfast:

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning:

Transfer to Poas Volcano National Park. The program orientation will take place en route.

Walk on trails in the Poas National Park, the oldest designated National Park in Costa Rica. View the world’s largest active crater and a crater lake while encountering four different habitats, including a tropical forest.

The Poás Volcano, is an active stratovolcano in central Costa Rica which has erupted 39 times since 1828. Poás volcano is a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. When the mist and clouds part you'll see the sulfuric, bubbling, green rain fed lake at the bottom, surrounded by smoke and steam rising from fumaroles. Water from the lake is constantly seeping through cracks in the hot rock, evaporating and building pockets of steam. When the pressure in these pockets exceeds the weight of the water above, the steam breaks through in geysers that rocket up to 820 feet (250 meters) high. Don't worry about getting a shower though, the crater is 1,050 feet (320 meters) deep. At almost a mile (1.6 km) across it's also the largest active crater in the world. The most recent period of eruptive activity ended in 1954. The last major activity was in 1910 when nearly a million tons of ash was ejected along with an immense column of smoke and steam.

Lunch:

Lunch at a typical rural restaurant.

Afternoon:

Enjoy the clean, crisp air at a coffee plantation perched on the slopes of the Central Valley. Walk between the rows of the coffee bushes in a symbolic coffee picking exercise and sample the freshly ground coffee - after exploring the plantation.

During your visit experience first-hand the production, harvesting, processes of the plant and roasting of the bean. The program begins in the seedbed. There you will observe the development processing of the plant. Also learn about the history of the estate, its owners, the production and varieties of plants, the geography of the area and the traditional ways of cultivating the grain.

Boat Transfer to Tortuguero/Walking in Tortuguero Village(Wednesday, February 27)

Breakfast:

Breakfast en route.

Morning:

Leave San José and travel in a northeasterly direction towards the Caribbean lowlands. Board a covered motorboat at the dock and begin your river transfer to Tortuguero. This approximately 2-hour river journey offers a great opportunity to view riverine wildlife and local communities.

Arrive at the lodge and check-in.

Lunch:

Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon:

Afternoon paddle to Tortuguero Village.

The sleepy little coastal village of Tortuguero is situated on the southern end of a 6-km-long sandspit that is sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea to the East and the Laguna del Tortuguero to the West. The region is known for its network of canals and waterways and luxuriant forests that are home to a variety of exotic wildlife and is an important sea turtle nesting site. Paddle across the canal to the village and then visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy to learn about sea turtle conservation efforts in this region. Continue with a walking exploration of the small village.

Silently paddle along the waterways of Tortuguero, optimizing the opportunity to view the wildlife in their natural habitat with minimum disturbance to the environment.

Explore the gallery forest along the edge of Tortuguero National Park in search birds, monkeys, and lizards. This area is also home to an abundance of underwater wildlife including fresh water sharks, caimans and hundreds of amphibians and reptiles.

Lunch:

Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon:

Afternoon hike on local nature trails. In addition to enjoying some good outdoor exercise, take the opportunity to search for local birds, monkeys and other wildlife that inhabit this region.

Transfer by motorized boat and bus from Tortuguero to Sarapiqui in the Chilamate Valley.

Sarapiquí is one of the richest sites for birds in Middle America with well over 400 recorded species. The Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve, La Selva Protection Zone and the Braulio Carrillo National Park form the only significant corridor of forest on the Caribbean slope linking the highlands with the lowlands - a corridor crucial to birds and animals that undertake seasonal altitudinal migrations and part of the larger Mesoamerican Biological Corridor stretching from Mexico through most of Central America.

Arrive to Selva Verde Lodge and check-in.

Lunch:

Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon:

This afternoon, visit a local plantation for an up-close look at local agricultural practices. Study the environmental and economic impacts of agriculture in the region and examine sustainable initiatives.

Return to the lodge.

Dinner:

Dinner at the lodge.

Evening:

Latin dancing is recognized as an exemplary form of cardio exercise. Laugh, dance and socialize while learning the basics during a Latin dance class.

Sarapiqui -
Hiking in the Rainforest/White Water Rafting
(Saturday, March 2)

Breakfast:

Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning:

The main purpose of our morning hike into the heart of the rainforest is to pay homage to El Ganador, a giant almond tree that towers above the canopy. What life secrets would you ask a 600 year old tree that is still standing strong?

El Ganador was already a mature tree when the Spanish came to the Americas in the late 1400s. This enormous tree stands 54 meters (177 feet) high and 14 meters (46 feet) in circumference and in 2007 was recognized as a natural and national treasure of Costa Rica. It won the 2007 Exceptional Tree award from INBio Park, the National Institute for biodiversity in Costa Rica. Almendro trees, or Dipteryx panamensis, are considered guardians of the tropical rainforest and a symbol for the region. They are also a critical part of the endangered Great Green Macaw’s habitat. This award-winning tree should live for another 100 to 200 years.

Lunch:

Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon:

Afternoon white water rafting on Class I and Class II rapids.

Winding through the region of the "Eternal Spring," the Sarapiquí River offers some of Costa Rica's most enjoyable white water river rafting amidst lush and vibrant scenery. The free-flowing river has its origins in clear mountain streams that tumble down through thick rain forest to merge with the crystal waters of the beautiful Sarapiquí. Verdant forest reaches right up to the river's sun-basked banks. This narrow waterway is ideal for white water novices, whom will enjoy its moderately flowing rapids, interspersed with tranquil stretches. The journey is also excellent for bird-watchers and other nature lovers. The river stretches its way through lush vegetation that is home to hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers and scores of other native bird species.

Transfer from the Caribbean lowland to Herradura to participate in an energizing zipline canopy adventure.

The Vista Los Suenos Canopy is located in Herradura, next to Jaco Beach on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Experience breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean during this zipline adventure through the forest canopy set on approximately 222 acres of lushly forested lands. Approximately 50% of the area is made up of transitional forest--a blend of dry forest and rainforest habitats.

Continue with transfer to the Punta Leona area.

Lunch:

Lunch en route.

Afternoon:

Arrival at Punta Leona, a resort incorporating coastal jungle and two beaches - jewels along this Pacific coastline.

Orientation to the resort, followed by free time to take a stroll on the beach or enjoy the swimming pools.

The Tarcoles river basin is one of the most important in the Pacific coastal region virtually draining the entire western side of the Central Valley. Tarcoles hosts an amazing diversity of wildlife along its banks and on the extensive mangrove areas near its estuary. Perhaps the most famous of all its inhabitants are the enormous crocodiles that live on its banks. These crocodiles (Crocodilus acutus) have been studied by numerous local and foreign specialists and featured in TV specials, including several of National Geographic Bray Barr's reptile Wild.

Transfer back to the hotel.

Lunch:

Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon:

Time at leisure to enjoy the beach, private reserve, pools, and to take advantage of services provided by the resort.

The Hotel Punta Leona is a 750 acres beach resort and wildlife reserve inhabited by hundreds of indigenous flora and fauna species. What really makes Punta Leona a special place is its waterfront location with two beach options to choose from, one with white sand and the other with gray sand both with crystal clear Pacific water. They are also the only beaches in Costa Rica with 3 Blue Flags & Triple A Rating for their outstanding water quality, cleanliness and level of safety for swimmers.

Dinner:

Dinner at a local restaurant where your choice of evening meal comes directly from the sea via the kitchen to your plate.

Transfer to the small coastal village of Agujas for a sea kayak and outrigger canoe paddling adventure.

Kayaks and canoes have been plying the oceans of the world for centuries. They were created as tools for survival and travel. Their design remains basically unchanged after generations of refinement. Their beauty lies in their simplicity and functionality. The canoes are now built of fiberglass and they have been working well for us for years, we use an outrigger on each side to ensure safety and give peace of mind to our clients. When you put that paddle in the water, think of the ancient traditions, and knowledge and skill that went into the canoe and it will make your experience with us even more enjoyable.

Return to San José -
Spa Treatments/Farewell Dinner(Wednesday, March 6)

Breakfast:

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning:

Transfer to San José.

Lunch:

Lunch at en route at local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Arrive in San José.

Afternoon transfer to a spa facility. As part of this program's final energizing activity, participants will receive neck, back, and shoulder massages in addition to enjoying a relaxing steam treatment in the spa's Arabic Hammam.

Transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport for flight to U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.

Breakfast:

Breakfast at the hotel (dependent on flight times).

Meals
Included:

Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities

Tortuguero

Beach walk, kayak canals, boat ride, fish, hike to Tortuguero Hill, or take a canopy tour.The beach walk is famed as the nesting site of the largest population of sea turtles in the Caribbean. The turtles lay their eggs between June and September. Kayaking the canals provides the best opportunity to get close to the wildlife and is also good exercise. Boat rides are available to explore the rivers and canals. Fishing can be organized by contacting the local fishing guides. Hiking to the top of Tortuguero Hill has become a popular activity for those looking for exercise and the opportunity to get a bird's-eye view of the national park. For additional information, visit www.tortuguero-info.com

Socialize with the locals
Tortuguero is a small coastal fishing village. Visitors to the village at night are the exception rather than the rule and scholars will have the opportunity to meet some of the local people.

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List

Costa Rica's National Parks and Preserves: A Visitor's Guide

Author: Joseph Franke and Joseph Dimijian

Description: A first-rate source for the Costa Rican park system. Profiles 40 parks and preserves and their distinct tropical habitats. Franke provides regional history as well as tips on what to pack.

Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: A Field Guide

Author: Louise H. Emmons & François Feer

Description: This beautifully illustrated field guide contains all you need to know about rainforest mammals in Central and South America. It has color plates, range maps and detailed descriptions of each animal, including information about their biology, behavior and natural habitats.

Lonely Planet Costa Rica Country Guide

Author: Lonely Planet

Description: Regional maps, detailed site information and general tips will be useful to travelers of all budgets and interests.

A Guide to the Birds of Costa Rica

Author: Gary Stiles and Alexander Skutch

Description: Illustrated descriptions of the major habitats, color plates and maps, help to identify more than 850 species of birds in Costa Rica.

A Brief History of Central America

Author: Hector Perez-Brignoll

Description: A good overview of the region’s economic, political and social history through the 1980s by a professor at the University of Costa Rica. Well-written, informative and concise.

A Neotropical Companion

Author: J.C. Kricher, Mark Plotkin

Description: From plants and animals to birds and bugs, it's all here in this wonderfully written overview of the ecology, habitats, plants and animals of Central and South America.

Costa Rica Adventure Map

Author: National Geographic

Description: A double-sided map at a scale of 1:500,000.

Costa Rica, A Traveler's Literary Companion

Author: Barbara Ras

Description: A wonderful introduction to the character of the people, culture and land, this anthology brings together 26 stories by Costa Rican writers.

Culture Smart! Costa Rica

Author: Jane Koutnik

Description: A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.

National Geographic Costa Rica

Author: Christopher P. Baker

Description: This stylish, informative and up-to-date travel resource features 200 photographs, many maps and good information on the country's history, nature and culture.

The Birds of Costa Rica

Author: Richard Garrigues, Robert Dean (Illustrator)

Description: Built for the field, this great guide includes multiple illustrations for 820 species of birds.

The Monkey's Bridge, Mysteries of Evolution in Central America

Author: David Rains Wallace

Description: Opening this absorbing account of the history and biogeography of the Central American isthmus with the tale of Columbus, Wallace weaves his own travels in the region with a crisp overview of exploration, nature and evolution. Natural history buffs and ecologically minded travelers will appreciate this valuable resource.

The Ticos

Author: Richard Biesanz

Description: This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people accessibly explores their culture, history and society.

The Wildlife of Costa Rica, A Field Guide

Author: Fiona Reid, Twan Leenders, Jim Zook, Robert Dean

Description: Designed to take along on a walk in the forest, this latest compact Zona Tropical guide includes 450 of the most common, interesting and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that you are likely to encounter in the field. Each gets an exquisite full color illustration.

Tropical Plants of Costa Rica

Author: Willow Zuchowski

Description: Organized by habitat, this photo guide to 400 species has chapters on popular destinations, including Monteverde and Tortuguero.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

10 nights accommodations

28 meals:
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners

Expert-led lectures: 3

Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.

Field trips: 11

Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.

Hands-on experiences: 2

Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.

Plus these special experiences...

Admire the flora and fauna of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast during forest walks and a canopy exploration via a network of hanging bridges.

Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the salt water spray while paddling outrigger canoes and kayaks to a secluded beach for a picnic lunch.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.

An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.

Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.